Pages

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Sporting plastic red belt accessories for half term?

It's not just the kids that people look at oddly because they have autism. Never mind their peculiar behaviour, screaming collapses, strange way of talking or just complete lack of speech, I'm 'odd' even when I'm on my own thanks to my latest clothing trend. Red is definitely not my usual colour, but it has been this week.Both our boys are very sensory seeking. Just like Jane, their younger sister, most kids love hugs, tickles and cuddles on the sofa. The boys are a bit different. Anthony can crush an adult till it hurts and David might scratch you with his nails if we didn't keep them short. This describes some of the boys hypo-sensitive or 'under sensitive' issues relating to touch. Although the boys also have some hypersensitivity issues where they are very sensitive to some things such as sudden loud noises or sudden changes in temperature, their hypo-sensitive side is a lot more obvious. David communicates in several ways. He uses Makaton sign language, something called PECS, he verbalises certain syllables for most words and he also uses this hypo-sensitive touch.A bit like a toddler who pushes another child a way when they go to take their toy, David, would previously push or pull other children to get their attention. Thankfully, we've managed to help David change his push into a Makaton 'no' and say 'nah' when he doesn't want something or someone to do something. However, David also uses 'grabbing' as a way of communicating his excitement with those he wishes to share it with. Invariably this is me. As he has developed and wanted to share more, I've started to feel a bit like a pin-cushion as David grabs at my body to share this excitement. My current solution is to give him something better than me to grab and encourage him to verbalise his feelings. In reality this means I have an assortment of red plastic sensory toys attached to my belt. And because it's the half term break, I have it there all the time. So when David launches himself at me, I can move his hands to the toys. But it looks weird. As I go to pay for my fuel at the petrol station, I see the person next to me wondering if there is some strange fashion or pre-summer fad she's unaware of. Though I smile at the connection, I later had a sad thought. Although I'm not bothered by the attention wearing this odd collection of ChewyTubes and ChewBuddies makes, I wonder if my son will one day wear them himself as a way of calming his own system. We deliberately purchased red sensory toys because David's school uniform is red and we felt they would be less inconspicuous if he needed to wear them at school. But what about when he is older. Will he be looked at strangely? Will he feel awkward or understand? I don't know, but in the mean time I'll proudly be 'odd' too and sport my plastic red belt accessories for the holidays and for however much longer he needs me to.

11 comments:

What a brilliant idea. I think it looks cool. Our big lad needed to chew and we bought him the chewing necklaces these were great too. But some people did look or ask whats that and why does he have it. Sad really... and I also worry about people's reactions. Thank you for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime 🎉

That is such a good idea, sounds like it's really working, too. That is a sad thought, it's such a shame to have to think about people's reactions like this, but it's a grim fact of reality, isn't it? He may not need them, who knows, I guess it's a bridge to cross when the time comes. In the meantime, you work that new accessory belt! Thanks for sharing with #WotW

Anything like this that helps focus energies and remember certain behaviors is a great idea. Maybe it won't work as well when he's older, maybe he'll need to use something different, but for now this is great and sure other people won't get it or wonder about the fashion statement but let them wonder (or ask and get an understanding).#KCACOLS

What a great idea and it really sounds like it is working and making a massive difference which is the important thing. I know it is easier said than done but I would try and ignore the other people :-) Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday

People love to stare don't they? We get that when my eldest son has his injection whilst we're out, but just ignore them all. What works for your child is always the best thing and hopefully he won't care. It's a good thing that you've found something that works for you. Thanks for linking up to #PicknMix, hopefully see you there again tomorrow.

I bet you look cool not odd :) We do what we have to for our little ones and it is great you have found something to help with the 'grabby' behaviour. Hayden is also a 'grabber' so I completely get where you are coming from. Thank you for linking up to #spectrumsunday lovely, I hope you join me again this week xx

What is Autism?It's so much I couldn't possibly try and explain. For us it's wonderful and heart-breaking. Joyous and truthful. But as far as diagnosis is concerned, why not have a look at the National Autistic Society for their definition of Autism.

I've been part of..

I like these...

I'm involved with...

I'm part of...

Privacy and information

I do not personally collect or hold any of the personal information that may have been submitted via this site for any purpose.

Our subscription service and comments is run via Feedburner / Blogger/ Google - see their privacy policy here.

Competitions / giveaways are run through Rafflecopter - see their privacy policy here.

If you have entered a giveaway, I may access your name / contact details on these platforms with the sole purpose of selecting and informing a winner. If you ever have any questions about what I do with your information please contact me.

Any advertisements, official reviews or sponsored posts anywhere on this site are clearly marked 'Advertisement',

'review' or 'in collaboration with' and include the company name or promoted campaign.

Details of any products or services exchanged for honest and independent reviews or when independently mentioned in copy are included in the posts.

Some posts may include affiliate or sponsored links to products or services that I am independently happy to have on the site.

This blog supports our favourite charities, organisations and individuals with the aim of raising awareness - thanks for helping me support them.